In Philly for the DNC? Dine Like a Political Power Player at These Restaurants

Monday, delegates and operatives alike descended on the City of Brotherly Love for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. And while Hillary is of course the main attraction, even the most politically obsessed workaholics have got to eat. Luckily, Philadelphia’s exceptional food scene is largely concentrated in six uber-successful restaurant groups. There are of course other key destinations for food lovers, such as the transformative sushi at the serene restaurant Zama, but the below guide will well prepare you for the four-day quickie-trip.

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Photo: Courtesy of Vetri Ristorante

In 1998, chef Marc Vetri opened Vetri Ristorante, a high-quality Italian-focused restaurant that helped usher in Philadelphia’s gourmet renaissance. And while the flagship still only seats thirty-two, the Vetri empire has expended across the city. Pizzeria Vetri is a white-tiled and airy option for restaurant dining–style pizza—both savory and, in one instance, sweet. The Pizzeria does have a location by Rittenhouse Square, but its other branch has a perfect perch behind the Barnes Foundation and Rodin Museum. (Elevating museum dinning, one successful outing at a time.) But if you’re more interested in catching a Phillies or a 76ers game, try Lo Spiedo, the Vetri outpost down by the stadiums. What else does the OG Philly group—which somewhat oddly recently sold to Urban Outfitters—have to offer in its Italian famiglia? Gastropub Alla Spina, trattoria Amis, and Osteria.

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Photo: Courtesy of Zahav

Michael Solomonov (a Vetri restaurant alum) opened his now-famous Zahav in 2008. Three years later, after helping completely revive modern Israeli cuisine, he won a James Beard award. However, Zahav, (which means gold in Hebrew), is near impossible to get a reservation at unless you’re looking to book a couple months in advance. Instead, show up with just one friend in tow and try to snag a seat at the bar. What’s best to order? Everything is delectable, but the hummus and cauliflower stand out. However if your efforts at the bar fail, head to Center City and try Dizengoff Solomonov’s hummus-centric more casual eatery. Across the street is Federal Donuts—a treat not to be missed, and another Solomonov brain-child (the item to really order there is the fried chicken with donuts). Totally hooked, but time to head home post Thursday the 28th? Luckily, Solomonov and his business partner Steven Cook have published a Zahav cookbook, which came out last year. And if you’ve instead opted to extend your stay, Abe Fisher and Percy Street Barbecue are more Solomonov-Cook ventures in the City of Brotherly Love.

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Photo: Courtesy of High Street on Market

Everyone loves a good tapas restaurant, right? (Sangria and jamones are difficult to dislike, after all.) In 2005, chef Jose Garces opened the Old City neighborhood-set Amada, the first of his now whopping nine eateries in the area. Bonus points for consideration? The week of the convention, Amada has a couple DNC-focused deals, including a special “Matador” cocktail with bourbon and elderflower. But if you’re focused exclusively on small plates, and less preoccupied with cocktails, consider Garces’s Tinto. The name accurately implies its large selection of Spanish red wines, and its floor-to-ceiling wine rack bolsters the claim to the name as well as its decor. If such sharable, coursable, meals are not for you, though, try Garces Trading Company instead for consistently standout dishes.

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Photo: Courtesy of Vedge

New Yorkers may be familiar with High Street on Hudson, but Eli Kulp’s High Street on Market will take you straight to the source. Make sure to order at least one item with the in-house bread, as well as the burrata. You may be sick of this crowd-pleasing dish by this stage in the game, but the leeks and almonds make this example truly one of a kind. Literally next door, Fork is High Street’s slightly more formal sister institution. Obsessed with these two now? Complete the trio at a.kitchen and a.bar; but if it was the lovely use of all things green that struck your fancy most, move along to the more vegan-focused pastures of the city. The New York Times recently pointed out the blossoming vegan and vegetarian trend in the home of the Philly cheesesteak. And husband-wife team Richard Landau and Kate Jacoby are leading the pack with their game-changing restaurant Vedge, as well as another business V Street. A newer kid on the restaurant group block, but revolutionary all the same.

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Photo: Courtesy of Barbuzzo

Finally—and again if you can get a table—Barbuzzo’s Mediterranean cuisine is next to impossible to dislike. Seek out the polenta with spring vegetables, as well as the gnocchi (even if a heavy focus on Italian carbs makes you skeptical.) Lolita and Bud and Marilyn’s are just a couple of chef Marcie Turney and her partner Valerie Safran’s other ventures—Grocery is a catering company, while Marcie Blaine is their charming chocolate shop. So save dessert for last.